‘Looking Into the Fire’? From Climate Distress to Action, with Harvey Skinner and Susan Harris

This seminar is in recognition of Earth Month 2024

Our planet is on fire due to climate change and the window of opportunity may be closing to secure a more livable and sustainable future. Most people now acknowledge global warming, yet many are paralyzed about taking action because of hopelessness, fear, guilt, and other strong emotions. What can be done to help us ‘look into the Fire’?

This online interactive seminar will address the question by: a) providing an update of emerging concepts and research on climate distress and action, b) demonstrating evidence-based practices for fostering resiliency and healing ourselves (mindfulness meditation and qi gong – tai chi), and c) discussing what can be done individually and collectively for healing our planet.

To help guide research and activities in the Wellness Impact Lab, Pihkala’s (2022) Process Model of Eco-Anxiety and Ecological Grief is reviewed. This model provides an integrative approach for understanding the mental health impacts of climate change and environmental disasters along with coping strategies and actions. To provide a safe forum for people to talk about and understand their feelings about climate change, our Lab is initiating a Climate Café dialogue series drawing on best practices and latest research. An important outcome is to reduce barriers to action.

Speaker Profiles

Dr Harvey Skinner PhD, CPsych, FCAHS is a Professor Emeritus of Psychology & Global Health; Senior Fellow, Dahdaleh Institute; and was Founding Dean of York University’s Faculty of Health (2006-2016). Harvey co-Leads the Wellness Impact Lab. He teaches and maintains a daily practice of qi gong wellness practices.

Susan Harris MSW, RSW is a Community Fellow at the Dahdaleh Institute and was a practicing social worker and Program Director at Catholic Family Services Peel-Dufferin. Susan co-Leads the Wellness Impact Lab. She has been cultivating her meditation practice with retreats and study for over 30 years along with completing advanced meditation teacher training programs.

Register below and join us on Wednesday, April 24, at 1 p.m.

RSVP

Registration for this event is now closed.